How to find your family's First World War medals
Researcher
Tue Oct 07 2025
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< 5 minutes read
Whether proudly displayed or long since misplaced, First World War medals serve as tangible reminders of our relatives' sacrifices. They represent the endurance and bravery of ordinary men and women during terrifying times. Here's how to understand your ancestor's personal experience of war by researching their First World War medal.
What medals were awarded in the First World War?
Imagine holding a medal engraved with your great-grandfather's name and service number. By pairing it with his medal index card, you learn he earned the 1914–15 Star and served in Gallipoli. Suddenly, that ribboned decoration becomes a window into a harsh campaign of heat, dust, and loss - a reminder of the resilience that shaped your family’s past.
Most servicemen and women of the British and Commonwealth forces received at least one medal for their war service.
The difference between campaign, conduct and gallantry medals
While campaign medals like the Victory Medal were awarded to most who served overseas, service medals marked the length or breadth of duty, even for those who never reached the front line.
Conduct medals, such as the Military Medal, acknowledged good behaviour and steadfastness under pressure. At the highest level, gallantry medals - including the Victoria Cross or Distinguished Conduct Medal - honoured acts of exceptional bravery.
The 1914 Star or 1914–15 Star
These were awarded to those who served in France or Belgium early in the war.
The British War Medal
This campaign medal was given to nearly all who saw overseas service.
The Victory Medal
The Victory Medal ribbon was also widely awarded, usually alongside the British War Medal.
Many soldiers ended up with all three - often nicknamed 'Pip, Squeak and Wilfred' after popular cartoon characters of the 1920s. Together, these decorations not only recognised individual sacrifice but also help us to trace where, when, and how our ancestors served.
The Silver War Badge
Also known as the King's Silver Badge or the Discharge Badge, the Silver War Badge was introduced in 1916 to identify personnel who had been honourably discharged due to sickness or injury. The badge was introduced amidst societal anger at war objectors or 'shirkers' to shield discharged servicemen from accusations of cowardice.
Were First World War medals engraved with names?
Unlike most Second World War awards, First World War medals were generally engraved with the recipient’s name, rank, service number and regiment. This makes them much easier to identify and trace, even if they’ve been separated from their associated paperwork.
How to trace your ancestor's Great War military medal
When tracing your British or Irish family tree online, you'll undoubtedly encounter ancestors who served in the World Wars. With millions of military records digitised and made accessible online, it's easier than ever to uncover their story.
Establish key facts
It's a good idea to start with a broad search using their name, date of birth, and, if available, their soldier number. From here, you may be able to explore their service records, enlistment papers, and medical history. Use these resources to determine the dates of their military service, where they served, and the role they played.
Search online First World War medal records
Once you've established the important details, delve into medal-specific military records to uncover campaign medals and more. Explore Findmypast's collection of First World War medal index cards and rolls, which detail the medals an individual was entitled to, as well as extra details like service number and regiment.
Expand your search
Although medal index cards are the most direct source for tracing First World War medals, there are other records that may be able to help you. Military service and pension records may also include details of medal entitlement.
Gallantry medals and honours were often announced in the London Gazette, which Findmypast has digitised. Searching within this title may reveal details lost in traditional genealogy records.
Unit war diaries offer a moving insight into specific campaigns and battles. These do not usually name individuals, but they can provide useful context about the campaigns that earned particular medals and give colour to your relative's story.
Where might my family's First World War medals be now?
Not all medals stayed with the families of those who earned them. Some may have been passed down, while others were lost, sold, or donated. To track them down:
- Ask relatives, as medals were often kept safe in boxes or framed on walls.
- Explore regimental museums – some hold collections donated by families.
- Check medal dealers and auction houses. Engraved names mean medals can sometimes be traced back to their original recipients.
By tracing and understanding your family’s First World War medals, you’re not just finding objects - you’re uncovering stories of service, sacrifice, and survival that deserve to be remembered.